Daan Hoole scored an impressive time trial victory in the Giro d’Italia on Tuesday. The Dutchman from Lidl-Trek didn’t quite know where to go with his joy.
“It all needs to sink in,” the 26-year-old Hoole stammered afterwards to the camera of Eurosport. “A stage victory in the Giro is so special. I never thought this would happen.”
Hoole was seven seconds faster than Joshua Tarling in the 28-kilometer time trial. The British top favorite finished in second place. As the last riders were working on their race against the clock, rain showers passed over the course.
“Of course, many classification men suffered from the rain,” said Hoole. “That made a lot of difference. But I am also happy that I was faster than Tarling, who rode under approximately the same conditions. That is a great feeling.”
“Tarling is one of the best time trialists in the world,” Hoole continued. “He had a super fast start. But I rode a good second part. I think Tarling inflated himself a bit there.”
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Daan Hole Calls Teammates On HotSeat Duration Time Trial in the Giro
‘Great Atmosphere in the Team’
Hoole was an important helper of his Lidl-Trek leader Mads Pedersen in the first Giro stages. The Danish former world champion has already booked three stage victories. Thanks to Hoole’s victory, the counter for his team now stands at four.
“We have a great atmosphere,” said Hoole. “This Giro has been phenomenal so far. That certainly helps. I was also looking forward to it today and had good legs. It went great.”
Hoole gave the Netherlands the second day’s success of this Giro, after Casper van Uden’s surprising sprint victory in the fourth stage. It was also the first Dutch win in a Giro time trial since 2018, when Tom Dumoulin was the best on the opening day in Jerusalem.
It will be a challenge for Hoole to go for a second stage victory in this Giro. There are no more time trials on the program. Wednesday’s stage runs through the low mountain range.